The New Zealand–China Exchange Association (NZCEA) was created to bring together years of work dedicated to building friendship, understanding, and opportunities between Aotearoa New Zealand and China.
For more than a decade, Simon Appleton has been at the forefront of connecting New Zealand communities with East Asia. Originally working with local councils, schools, and community organisations, his approach was always more than just business. While trade and economic links are important, Simon believed that lasting relationships must be built on people-to-people connections, cultural understanding, and shared learning.
Over the years, this philosophy shaped a range of initiatives: supporting councils to better engage with migrant communities, helping schools welcome international students, running English language and skills programmes for migrants, and creating opportunities for volunteers and teachers to experience China first-hand. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Simon launched a free multilingual information service, making accurate news and practical guides available in nine languages to help migrants feel supported and included at a time of uncertainty.
As these initiatives grew, they all shared a common theme – helping people understand one another. Whether it was a New Zealand family learning about Chinese culture, a young migrant gaining the confidence to participate in local life, or a council worker better engaging with a multicultural community, these activities quietly built the trust and respect that underpin strong international relationships.
By 2025, it was clear that this work needed a dedicated home. The NZCEA was formed to bring all these socially focused activities together under one umbrella, working with iwi, councils, schools, community organisations, and businesses who share this vision.
Our focus is guided by three pillars:
Community Exchange – strengthening relationships between people and cultures.
Youth – empowering young people, especially rangatahi Māori and those who might not otherwise have the chance, through scholarships, volunteer programmes, and cultural exchanges.
Economic Cooperation – encouraging partnerships that fund and sustain long-term, people-to-people engagement.
At its heart, the NZCEA exists because we believe understanding leads to trust, trust reduces fear, and with less fear comes less conflict. In a world that often feels divided, it is more important than ever to build friendships, respect, and mutual benefit.
New Zealand and China both have much to offer each other – knowledge, culture, innovation, and opportunities. By working together in the spirit of he hononga, he whanaungatanga, he rangimārie – connection, kinship, peace, we are helping to create a future based on understanding, not hostility.